Know The Medications For DID

One of the most challenging mental health conditions is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder. To date, there is no medication to treat DID since it is not an organic disorder or a chemical imbalance. Psychiatrists would be prescribing medications to manage mood disorders that accompany DID. This article will provide information on the four most common drugs prescribed for DID and their corresponding medical implications.

Antidepressants

Persons diagnosed with DID present symptoms of depression and often displays a gloomy outlook in life. He has difficulty performing tasks, sleeps excessively, lacks appetite, and shows feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. In order to control depressive moods and to prevent the person from committing self-harm, antidepressantsare prescribed to uplift one’s emotions and increase his energy levels. Examples of these medications are Citalopram, Venlafaxine, Phenelzine, Fluoxetine, and Sertraline.

Source: beatthewinterblues.info

Antipsychotics

Some people with DID has psychotic symptoms such as alterations in thought processes. This can include hallucinations, delusions, illusions, paranoia, and other psychotic behaviors. In cases like this, wherein the person is manifesting these symptoms, a psychiatrist would be prescribing antipsychotic medicines to control the psychotic behaviors. Examples are Chlorpromazine, Aripiprazole, Risperdal®, Haldol®, and Mellaril.

Anxiolytics

This group of medicines is also called sedatives or anti-anxiety drugs. A person with DID often manifests heightened levels of anxiety, panic attacks, and unexplained fear. They are given anxiolytics to lower down their anxiety level and help them relax and stay focused on the present situation. Examples of anxiolytics are Xanax®, Librium, Valium, and Ativan.

Depressants

For those who display violent or manic behaviors, depressants are prescribed. Also known as antimanic drugs, these drugs allow the person to reduce hyperactivity, prevent seizures or respiratory disorders that are associated with DID. Examples of depressants include Carisoprodol, Atropine, Benzodiazepines, and Cyclobenzaprine.

Source: pbs.org

General Considerations

Remember not to take medicines on your own. Always seek advice and use the prescription given by your doctor. Some medications will be prescribed to you in combination, therefore, you should know the implications of taking multiple drugs at the same time. BetterHelp can be a resource to these type of information as they have online therapists that are ready to answer your queries. It is also important to know the different adverse reactions to the drug, such as when taking antipsychotics for a long time, people tend to develop motor and coordination problems.

Some medications may need monitoring on their effects in a person’s blood levels to ensure that toxicity of the drug is prevented. Interactions with food and other substances can also affect the effectiveness and potential action of the drug. It can also develop into serious complications. If you are experiencing different symptoms like a headache, blurring of vision, dizziness, stomach upset or fever, it is best to call or consult your doctor so that you will be assessed immediately and determine if it’s a reaction to the medicines that you are taking.

Aside from the DID specialists, you can also communicate with online therapists that are ready to listen to you if you have issues or concerns regarding your mental health issues. Dissociative identity disorder also responds well to psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and adjunctive therapies such as art or movement therapy.